A grant of $10,000 from Artists in the Classroom will help get things started. Timberwest has donated a 40 foot red cedar log, which was transported to Ladysmith, where it is being stored so that it can dry naturally. Community members and partners have donated $25,000 in materials and labour.

That’s a great start which “brings together the Ladysmith community with the Stz’uminus First Nation community in a year-long cultural art project,” says an information release.

But more is needed – $50,000 more – to reach the $75,000 nutsumaat syaays fundraising goal.

“This project cannot succeed without the kindness and generosity of our partners,” say organizers. People interested in the project, and anyone wanting to support it, can contact Moira Dolen or William Taylor at 250-245-3043.